Career Opportunity: State Team Lead – Helen Keller International

Career Opportunity: State Team Lead – Helen Keller International

Organization: Helen Keller International (HKI)  

Locations: Akwa Ibom, Kebbi, Sokoto States, Nigeria  

Job Field: NGO/Non-Profit – Nutrition and Public Health Programs  

Experience: 7 – 8 years (minimum 7 years in project management, with at least 5 years in a supervisory role)  

Qualification: BA/BSc/HND, MBA/MSc/MA  

Application Deadline: January 29, 2026  

About Helen Keller International  

Founded in 1915, Helen Keller International (HKI) is a global non-profit organization dedicated to saving the sight and lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged populations worldwide. Our mission involves combating the causes and consequences of blindness and malnutrition by establishing and implementing evidence-based programs in vision, health, and nutrition. In Nigeria, HKI is committed to making a profound impact on community health and well-being through strategic interventions.

Role Overview  

HKI is seeking dynamic and experienced State Team Leads to oversee the planning, implementation, and rigorous monitoring of our vital nutrition and other public health programs within their assigned state. This pivotal role requires a strong leader who will work collaboratively with local government officials, community leaders, and partner organizations to ensure the effective and sustainable delivery of our life-saving interventions. The State Team Lead will be the primary on-the-ground representative, responsible for the overall success of the programs within their operational area.

Specific Responsibilities  

•   Program Leadership: Oversee the comprehensive planning, implementation, and meticulous monitoring of nutrition and other assigned programs within the state.

•   Team Management: Provide direct management to project personnel in the state, offering guidance, support, and conducting regular performance evaluations to foster a high-performing team.

•   Reporting & Documentation: Ensure clear and accurate documentation of programmatic achievements, required data, and provide timely updates on state activities to senior project management on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.

•   Financial & Resource Management: Take direct responsibility for the management of the state project budget and all other resources under the guidance of the Program Manager, ensuring fiscal prudence and accountability.

•   Partnership Coordination: Ensure that all project partners execute their activities effectively and adhere to their respective project plans and agreements.

•   Information Management: Document all project activities and safeguard that all project information is appropriately secured and accessible.

•   Project Adaptation: Continuously monitor the progress of project implementation, identifying deviations and adjusting strategies as necessary to ensure the project remains on track and achieves successful completion.

•   Stakeholder Communication: Establish and maintain a clear communication schedule to update relevant stakeholders, including appropriate HKI staff, on the progress of state project activities.

Candidate Requirements  

•   Education: A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (BA/BSc/HND) in Public Health, Nutrition, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field. An MBA/MSc/MA is a strong advantage.

•   Experience: Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in project management or a relevant development field, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or team lead role within an NGO or similar organization.

•   Leadership & Management Skills: Proven strong leadership, organizational, and management skills with the ability to inspire and guide a diverse team.

•   Communication & Interpersonal Abilities: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, with a demonstrated ability to build effective partnerships and manage stakeholder relationships.

•   Project Coordination: Strong experience in project coordination, implementation, monitoring, and engagement with diverse stakeholders.

•   Work Environment: Comfortable working effectively in a matrixed, integrated work environment.

•   Problem-Solving: Excellent problem-solving abilities and a detail-oriented approach with a strong commitment to program effectiveness and impact.

•   Adaptability: Flexibility and adaptability to work effectively in a dynamic and challenging environment.

•   Local Context: Desirable familiarity with the local context, culture, and dynamics within the assigned state.

Physical Demands & Success Profile  

•   Travel: Ability and willingness to travel regularly to project LGAs within the state, including remote and hard-to-reach areas, as needed.

•   Autonomy: Able to work with minimal supervision and consistently meet set deadlines.

•   Digital Literacy: Proficient in using the Internet and essential computer software such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Outlook, etc.

•   Teamwork: Must possess good interpersonal skills and be a collaborative team player.

•   Integrity: Demonstrate excellent personal integrity and maintain strict confidentiality.

•   Language: Ability to speak the local language of the assigned state is highly desirable and a significant advantage.

How to Apply  

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to apply by submitting their updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a comprehensive Cover Letter as a single merged document to:

Email: nigeria.recruitment@hki.org  

Subject Line: State Team Lead

Application Deadline: All applications must be received by January 29, 2026.

Helen Keller International is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We value honesty, integrity, and a dedication to improving the lives of the most vulnerable. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further engagement.